The tense atmosphere hung in the air as Damian and Jisoo exchanged glances. The room, still suspicious of the presence of that intimidating transfer, barely dared to breathe. But the silence was broken by Mr. Han's irritated voice.
— Enough chit-chat! Pay attention in class or I'll make sure to send you to the principal's office!
Damian and Jisoo, still exchanging that look of rivalry and respect, looked away almost at the same time, turning to the front. The rest of the class went on without any problems, although no one could really concentrate. The tension between the two had everyone alert to what could happen at any moment.
Damian, however, was not stupid. He knew very well that, no matter how much he had improved physically, he was still far from being able to face someone like Jisoo. The look in that guy's eyes, the way he walked, the fame that preceded him... it was obvious that he was on another level.
When the bell rang announcing the end of class, the students hurried to leave. Minho, Taeyang and Hiro approached Damian.
"So, what are you going to do?" Hiro asked, his eyes worried.
Damian took a deep breath, stood up and walked to Jisoo's desk, who was still sitting with his hands in his pockets, watching everything with disinterest.
Damian stood in front of him and extended his hand.
"Damian," he said firmly. "I'm the leader of the group that was with me. I'm putting together a gang to end the dominance of these trash here at school... and outside of it too. We're looking for strong guys. And you... are one of them."
The room, which was still emptying, stopped for a moment to listen. A momentary silence fell, and everyone waited for Jisoo's reaction.
The transfer student looked up, staring at Damian's hand. He stayed like that for a few seconds, as if he was evaluating the boy in front of him. Then, a slight smile appeared on his face.
"You guys seem too weak for this," Jisoo muttered with disdain, but without arrogance. "But I'll give you a chance." Damian kept his hand outstretched, his expression serious, without showing any reaction.
"Defeat someone from the 1st year," Jisoo continued, standing up and standing face to face with Damian. The height difference was only a few centimeters, but Jisoo's aura seemed even greater. "One of Seokhyun's henchmen. If you can do that, maybe I'll consider joining."
The name made some students' blood run cold. Seokhyun was one of the most violent leaders in the 1st year of high school. He controlled part of the gym, extorted students and even sold stolen goods. His henchmen were no joke. Damian kept his expression firm. "Deal," he replied, finally shaking Jisoo's hand. Upon seeing this, Taeyang whispered: "This guy is crazy..." Minho just shook his head, but deep down, he knew there was no turning back. It was either that or continue living like trash being trampled on. Damian let go of Jisoo's hand, who picked up her backpack and left the room. "I'll be watching," he said before disappearing down the hallway. Damian turned to his friends. "We're going to do this. Choose one of his henchmen and take him down in front of everyone. Show that we're here to stay." Hiro snapped his fingers. "You can count on me." Minho sighed. "Then whatever. But let's plan this properly. These guys are dangerous." Taeyang, even though nervous, smiled. — Let's go to war.
The group left the room together, the decision made. The next step was set: take down one of Seokhyun's guard dogs... and start turning the tables.